India–France ATL Bridge to Strengthen Bilateral Innovation Cooperation through School Innovation Labs

Landmark initiative by Atal Innovation Mission & Dassault Systèmes connects young innovators in India and France through a shared innovation ecosystem

LoI signed in Nice, France, on the sidelines of Bharat Innovates 2026, inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron

France/Delhi: Guided by the shared resolve of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, to deepen innovation-led cooperation between India and France, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and La Fondation

Dassault Systèmes have established the India–France ATL Bridge to enable collaboration among young innovators in both countries.

The initiative establishes the first School Innovation Lab in France, inspired by India’s Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) framework, creating a structured platform for young learners to collaborate, strengthen linkages between innovation ecosystems, and deepen bilateral innovation cooperation between the two countries.

The Letter of Intent (LoI) formalizing this collaboration was exchanged between Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Deepak Bagla and Managing Director, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes Ms. Marie-Pierre Aulas in France today.

The India–France ATL Bridge will serve as a strategic platform for fostering cross-border innovation programmes, entrepreneurial exchanges, and deeper collaboration between the innovation ecosystems of India and France. Through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint innovation activities, the ATL Bridge will enable young innovators to co-create solutions to real-world challenges and strengthen early-stage innovation capabilities. By strengthening connections among young innovators, educators, and stakeholders, the initiative aims to further cultivate a vibrant culture of innovation and drive mutually beneficial partnerships between India and France.

The India–France ATL Bridge initiative is being undertaken during the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen innovation-led cooperation and nurture future-ready talent. The initiative represents a significant step towards expanding international collaboration in school-level innovation and fostering meaningful exchanges among students, educators, and innovation ecosystems in both countries.

Rooted in India’s civilizational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-“the world is one family, the initiative reflects the belief that knowledge, innovation, and progress are most meaningful when shared. Through the exchange of the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) methodology and innovation ecosystem approach, India is extending not only a proven innovation model but also a spirit of partnership, friendship, and collective growth.

Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, said "This milestone reflects the growing confidence of the world in India's innovation journey. Guided by the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has evolved into a nation that not only nurtures innovation domestically but also contributes globally relevant models and solutions. As we work towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, initiatives such as the India–France ATL Bridge reaffirm India's commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation. The establishment of the School Innovation Lab in France, connected with the Atal Tinkering Lab ecosystem in India, is not merely the creation of a new learning space, it is the sharing of a vision that every young person, irrespective of geography, should have the opportunity to innovate, create, and lead."

Sharing her views Managing Director, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, Marie-Pierre Aulas, stated that “Education is the most powerful lever for building a sustainable future. It is essential to inspire young people to learn and discover science and technology through explorative and experiential learning. The Atal Innovation Labs are a unique initiative to help achieve this ambition by nurturing creativity, experimentation, and entrepreneurial skills from an early age. Since 7 years, through our actions in India and in France, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has been committed to fostering this innovation mindset and strengthening international collaboration. I am delighted about this new step in the relationship between our two countries, thanks to Atal Innovation Mission, in the service of youth and a shared innovative future.”

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) was launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2016 with the vision of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country and contributing towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. Since its inception, AIM has emerged as a flagship national initiative to create and promote innovation ecosystems across schools, universities, research institutions, startups, and industry. Under AIM, Atal Tinkering Labs have evolved into one of the world's largest school-based innovation networks, empowering millions of students with skills in design thinking, problem-solving, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship.

Over the last decade, India has built one of the world's largest innovation ecosystems. A key driver of this transformation has been the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, which has nurtured innovation from classrooms to startups and industry.

Since 2016, more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established across India, enabling over 11 million students to engage with design thinking, robotics, electronics, 3D design and printing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies. The ATL movement has demonstrated that innovation begins with curiosity and flourishes when young minds are provided with the right environment to experiment, create, and solve real-world problems.

As Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has noted, “The future of India will be dependent on the innovations and work done by the youth,” The India–France ATL Bridge embodies this vision and stands as a powerful symbol of friendship, collaboration, and a shared belief in the power of young innovators and student entrepreneurs to shape a more innovative and prosperous future.